The Darkest Hour Part Two
In a land of Myth and a time of magic,
The destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of two young people,
Their names,
Merlin and Mira-Liana
Following the twins' heroic sacrifice, they were immediately taken to the fire where frantic efforts were made to warm and revive them. Their efforts had been fruitless. Though the frost on their bodies had gone, Merlin and Mira-Liana remained cold and near lifeless. By some miracle, they were still alive but it wouldn't be for long, not unless they got help and soon.
Everyone was grieved and worried for them as the twins had been a part of their lives no one could bear to lose. Their laughter, optimism, smiles, kind and compassionate hearts and endless selflessness was something they had all come to take for granted and now they were seeing the kind of world they'd live in without them. It was a world that would have little to offer them.
Though they were all solemn and upset, Arthur was the worst of them. If he wasn't speaking to Merlin, trying to get him to call Arthur a prat, he was holding Mira-Liana close and crying into her hair. He blamed himself as they had only been trying to protect him.
"If you two die on me, I'll never forgive you, even in the afterlife," he told them. "We need you. Don't you dare leave us, don't you dare." Why do you two always have to save me? I know how much I mean to you and I know what my destiny entails, but it's not worth your lives. After all we've been through, don't you dare leave me now.
Despite everyone's efforts, nothing worked. They did not stir so much as an inch. After a number of hours, Arthur came to a decision.
"We have to get them back to Gaius," said Arthur.
"And abandon the quest?" said Leon. "They wouldn't want us to do that."
"And I don't want them to die," said Arthur, sternly.
"Arthur, I understand how you're feeling and I care for them as much as you do, but if we don't get to the Isle of the Blessed, hundreds more will perish, including Merlin and Mira-Liana," said Leon.
"Let Lancelot and I take them, then" said Gwaine. "If we take them through the Valley of the Fallen Kings, we should be safe."
Arthur sighed. He didn't want this, but there was no other choice and he could count on Lancelot and Gwaine to protect them.
"All right, fine. Do it."
Merlin and Mira-Liana were loaded onto Gwaine and Lancelot's horses. Lancelot held onto his horse's reins with one hand while holding Merlin's frail form with other and Gwaine did the same for Mira-Liana.
Before they left, Arthur spoke with them. "This is my fault. I'm so sorry."
"If you blame yourself for what we did, we'll kill you," said Merlin, speaking for the first time in hours. He sounded very weak and they were both still deathly pale.
"Arthur, take us with you, please," begged Mira-Liana.
Arthur brushed a lock of her hair out of her face. "If I do, I'll lose you both and I can't bear that."
"But we have to come with you," said Merlin.
"Not this time," said Arthur, shaking his head. "You've always protected me. Let me protect you this time. Go back and recover. When you're well enough, come back. Until then, rest and get better. We all need you both. I will see you both again."
"Nothing could keep me away from you for too long," said Mira-Liana, repeating that old phrase that had given them strength in many a hard time.
Arthur nodded. "Stay safe."
"You too," said Merlin.
And with that, the twins and their protectors rode off.
XXX
They eventually came upon the Valley of the Fallen Kings, Gwaine and Lancelot tightened their grips on their precious friends, knowing what had happened the last time the Valley had been crossed by the twins. It was strange seeing them so weak, when they were normally so strong.
When nightfall came, they lowered the twins to the ground and covered them with their cloaks to keep them warm.
"No sign of improvement, then?" asked Gwaine.
Lancelot shook his head.
"Same," said Gwaine. He sighed. "If anything happens, I don't know what I'll do. Serve Arthur for the rest of my life, maybe, but it won't be the same without them."
"I know the feeling," said Lancelot. "I have to make sure they pull through. They're my best friends and they're my friends and I promised Gwen I'd protect them and get them home."
Gwaine nodded. "They're my best friends, too. You know, before I met them, I was nothing more than a nomad. I spent my life in taverns, gambling away my life with card games, drinks and being bitter towards nobility. But those two, they gave me a chance to be part of something greater and I found a true King to serve."
"They've made an impact on everyone's lives," he agreed. "I hope there's another way to end this than just death. They're the bravest people I know, but…"
"But they can be idiots sometimes," finished Gwaine. "Yeah, I know." He frowned when the twins' joined hands fell into the water and then the water on their skin unnaturally shimmered.
Suddenly, there was a woman's voice whispering their names and bubbles of water floated and in their shimmer were faces.
"Lancelot, Gwaine, sheath your weapons. We mean you no harm," said a woman, when the two men drew their blades. "We wish only to help."
"The last time help was offered here, a man nearly died," said Gwaine. But he sheathed his blade, knowing better than to disobey.
"What are you?" asked Lancelot.
"We are Villia, spirits of the brooks and streams. The tear in the veil had upset the balance of the world. Good spirits as well as bad run freely," she murmured. "But this perilous state cannot continue for long."
"Prince Arthur is riding to the Isle of the Blessed. He intends to heal the veil," said Gwaine, deciding he believed the spirits.
"He will need help, from all of you," she said.
"But Merlin and Mira-Liana are ill and we must get them to Camelot or they'll die," protested Lancelot.
"Merlin and Mira-Liana are stronger than you know. The young witch and warlock have great power, greater when it is combined, and a future that has been written since the dawn of time. Do not worry. Even now, my sisters begin to heal them," she said.
They saw that it was true. The water was encasing the twins, shimmering over them and was healing them like nothing either knight had ever seen. They were already looking far better than before and smiling, which brought the two men much relief and joy.
"Is there another way to heal the veil?" asked Gwaine. "A way without death?"
"Yes," said the spirit. "There is one way that Agravain and his allies know nothing of. A drop of Merlin and Mira-Liana's combined blood on the altar where the veil was torn will heal it. For they are pure of heart and their magic will be enough to right this wrong."
"Thank you," said Lancelot.
"You are tired," said the spirit, soothingly. "Both of you must rest. You are safe here. We will stay with you and protect you through the night."
The two men chuckled softly as a magical barrier came up around them and kept them safe, allowing them peace and time to sleep.
XXX
Meanwhile, Morgana was having difficulties with Gaheris. She and Frik were adamant about keeping the gates open for the refugees, but Gaheris was adamant about shutting the gates, believing it to be for the best. Morgana and Frik were losing their patience with him, quickly.
They were in the middle of a meeting with the Council when Gaheris burst in and interrupted.
"Milady, milord, forgive me, but I must implore of you once more to shut the gates to the city!"
"Gaheris, I've told you of our decision. The gates are to remain open. Why you persist in pestering my husband and I to shut them?" she demanded.
"Milady, I'm only thinking about what's best for the kingdom," said Gaheris.
"And so are we," snapped Frik.
"But we cannot feed and water the entire kingdom!" protested Gaheris.
"These people have a right to be protected," said Morgana. "They give us their loyalty, their service and often their own lives. Giving them protection is the least we can do to repay our debt to them."
"But you're putting the whole of Camelot in danger! This is madness!" objected Gaheris.
This earned him an icy stare from Morgana and Frik that froze him to the bone. Mordred appeared from behind Morgana.
"Mother, Father, may I have permission to speak before the Court?" he asked.
Morgana nodded.
"Lord Agravain, Arthur, Mira-Liana and Merlin taught us long ago that every citizen is important. They would never stand by and let these people suffer," said Mordred. "They would try to help them and we must do the same."
"I feel your pain, dear boy, I do, but surely you see that if we keep letting people in, our food will run out within days at the most," said Gaheris.
"You are wrong, milord," said Gaius. "Many of the refugees are landowners, farmers, and they've been bringing in more food than they can eat. We'll have plenty to eat and more to spare."
"My husband and the others left but three days ago and at most, we have another three before they reach their goal," said Gwen. "They will prevail and succeed in their mission. Or do you have so little faith in your own kin that you think them to fail?"
Gaheris sighed and shook his head. "Of course not. You are right, naturally."
"Then you will leave these chambers, and argue no further or you'll be sent to the dungeons until this nightmares has ended," said Morgana, firmly. "You may be the brother of Igraine, but Frik and I were left in charge by Arthur and Mira-Liana and you have no authority over us. Is that understood?"
Gaheris bowed. "Yes, milady."
XXX
When Lancelot and Gwaine woke up the following morning, they immediately became frightened when they saw that neither Merlin nor Mira-Liana were where they once were.
"Merlin?" cried Lancelot.
"Mira!" yelled Gwaine. "Where are you?"
"We're right here," said Merlin.
The two men turned to see that the twins had a fire going and were cooking what looked and smelled like fish. The aroma made their mouths water as their stomachs rumbled.
"Good morning, boys. Hope you're hungry, because we've got breakfast," said Mira-Liana, smiling as she dished out their food.
Lancelot and Gwaine chuckled before they all shared a tight embrace.
"Well, this certainly is good news. Last I checked, you two were dying," said Gwaine.
"Sorry to disappoint," joked Merlin, earning a playful punch to the shoulder.
"Come on, hurry and eat," said Mira-Liana, as they all ate their food. "We need to catch up with the others."
"No, you two are going back to Camelot," said Gwaine, firmly.
Merlin and Mira-Liana exchanged looks before shaking their heads and rising up.
"Well, if you boys want to head back, we won't stop you," said Merlin, as he and Mira-Liana started walking off.
"Merlin, Mira!"
"Say hello to Gaius and the others for us," said Mira-Liana.
"Merlin, Mira!"
This made them stop in their tracks.
"Arthur can't finish this without us," said Merlin. He held up a small corked vial. "We heard what the spirits said last night. We've got what we need. We can end this."
Lancelot and Gwaine sighed in exasperation as they shook their heads at them.
"Do you two ever do as you're told?" asked Lancelot.
"Not really, no," said Mira-Liana, smiling.
XXX
Gaheris rode off to Agravain's hovel and found him nestled by the fire, looking weary from lack of sleep and anxiety. He did not look well.
"Gaheris, what news do you bring me of the might Camelot?" asked Agravain.
"As we planned, the city's falling into wreck and ruin," said Gaheris.
"What about Arthur and those pesky twins?" asked Agravain.
"No news on the twins, but as for Arthur, last we heard, he'd made it past Dalbeth," said Gaheris.
Agravain frowned. "Will we never be rid of him or those pests? If they don't die soon, our plans will fail."
"Patience, milord. Even if he makes it to the Isle, the outcome will still be the same," said Gaheris. "You worry too much, Agravain."
"And you worry too little," snapped Agravain. "How many times have Camelot's attackers had victory firmly in their grasp, only to have it snatched away by some mysterious heroics? Arthur somehow survived the bite of the Questing Beast and Nimueh was destroyed shortly afterwards. Does, that not that tell you that there are other forces at work in Camelot who would see us stopped?"
Gaheris did not reply.
Agravain gazed upon him. "What brings you here so early, Gaheris? Something's wrong, isn't it?"
Gaheris sighed. "A minor irritant, I hope. Your mother's sister and her family have been speaking out against me and there have been instructions that should anything befall Uther or the others, they will take over Camelot until Arthur's brat, Merrick is of age."
Agravaine frowned. "You're serious?"
"Quite. Should I find someway to dispose of them?"
"As much as I would relish that, we dare not at this moment. Frik and the boy are easy pickings, but to attack them would mean arousing Morgana's wrath," said Agravain. "She's a dangerous witch and protective of her family, like Arthur and the others are. Last year, the twins were nearly killed by my mother and Morgana nearly killed her in revenge."
"But how would she know I was the one who did anything?" asked Gaheris. "Camelot's enemies are hardly few in number or unknown."
"Yes, but at the moment, you're the only one with the motive, means and oppurtunity," said Agravain. "You'd be found out easily. For right now, we must wait for the opportune moment and strike when it's least expected."
Gaheris nodded. "Yes, my lord."
XXX
While Morgana was busy attending to other matters, Gwen tended to Uther, giving him some warm blankets along with fresh food and drink.
"Where's Arthur?" he asked.
"He's on a hunting trip, my lord," lied Gwen. "He'll be back in a few days. In the meantime, your grandchildren are here to see you."
Amora and Merrick had been missing Arthur and Mira-Liana greatly and had only cheered up a little when Gwen offered to take them to their grandfather. Despite it all, Uther was a doting grandfather and the little ones were somewhat fond of him.
They were growing lovelier by the day and were peering out from behind Gwen. The very sight of them brought a smile to Uther's face.
"My dear grandchildren," he said, as happy tears pooled in his eyes. He weakly reached out his arms. "Come here little ones."
"Grampa," said Merrick.
Somehow, Merrick and Amora climbed onto Uther's lap while holding each other's hands, making Gwen smile and laugh a little. They snuggled up to Uther and brought out more emotion and reaction than ever.
"We wuv you, Grampa," said Amora.
Uther smiled as he stroked their heads. "I love you, too."
Gwen silently watched the happy sight until a voice said, "Mama?"
She turned to see Thomas and Dawn standing in the doorway besides Mordred.
"Sorry to interrupt, but they really wanted to see you," said Mordred.
"It's all right, Mordred," said Gwen.
Mordred left them alone as Gwen kneeled down in front of her children, who looked somewhat distressed.
"Thomas, Dawn, what's wrong?" asked Gwen.
"Want Papa," said Dawn.
Gwen sighed as she hugged them. "I know, darlings, I know. He'll be home soon, I promise."
Merlin, please be safe.
XXX
Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table stood guard over their fire pit two nights later, keeping watching for any sign of the Dorocha. Arthur was doing his best to remain calm and not worry both for his friends and his family, but one had only to look into his eyes to see the fear he felt.
"Arthur, do you hear anything or see anything?" asked Elyan.
Arthur shook his head.
"Do you know what we're going to face on the Isle of the Blessed?" asked Elyan.
Arthur shook his head again. "Last time I was there, Merlin and Ana faced down a Priestess of the Old Religion called Nimueh in order to save me from the bite of the Questing Beast. They struck her down with lightning. I can only guess as to what it is we'll face this time."
While the Isle had been the place where he'd proposed marriage to Mira-Liana, it was still a place he had little wish to return to. He was only doing so now because he had to.
"You're frightened," said Elyan. It wasn't a question. "Look around you, Arthur. We would fight a thousand armies with our bare hands for you and the others. You're never alone. We stand together as family and brothers in arms." He smiled and held out his hand. "Come on, I'll take over for a while. You get some rest."
Arthur passed him the torch, but not before he gave Elyan a smile and a pat on the back. "Thank you. Gwen's lucky to have a brother like you."
Elyan smiled back.
XXX
Lancelot, Gwaine and the twins journeyed hard and fast to reach Arthur. Despite a hard ride, they had to stop and make camp for the night. Before long into the night, their fire went out and the Dorocha's screams awoke them from their brief slumber.
"WAKE UP!" screamed Mira-Liana.
The other men woke up and Merlin barely got a fire going in time, which stopped the Dorocha and gave them time to escape. They ran as fast as they could, trying to evade their attackers as they had no torches and the spells would be of little use.
Merlin, I think it's time we summon an old friend, said Merlin, as he grabbed her hand.
Let's do this, said Mira-Liana.
Together they cried out an incantation as they ran, and just as one of the Dorocha was about to get them, it was blasted away by a powerful breath of fire.
Kilgarrah flew in and quickly blasted away the attacking Doroch, saving their lives. While the twins looked pleased to see their friend, Gwaine and Lancelot looked stunned to see Kilgarrah as they had never seen a dragon up close before. Kilgarrah landed in front of them.
"Thank you," said Merlin, to Kilgarrah.
"Who are your friends?" asked Kilgarrah.
"Sir Gwaine and Sir Lancelot, the Knights of the Round Table and some of the few who know of our secrets," said Mira-Liana. "They're honorable and trustworthy men."
Kilgarrah nodded. "Of course, Sir Lancelot and Sir Gwaine. The bravest and noblest of them all."
The two knights bowed in respect, hiding the surprise on their faces.
"It is an honor to meet you," said Lancelot.
"How is it you know of us?" asked Gwaine.
"Dear Knight, I may be young, but I am still a dragon and there is little that dragons do not know. We are creatures of magic and of the Old Religion," said Kilgarrah. "And for now, there are more pressing things at hand. The Dorocha cannot be allowed to remain in this world. The veil must be restored."
"Arthur's headed to the Isle of the Blessed as we speak," said Merlin. "We're going after him. We intend to right this wrong."
"Indeed. But at what price?" said Kilgarrah. "Young Dragonlord and Dragonlady, you must not sacrifice yourselves, nor must Arthur, nor any of the Knights of the Round Table. Your destinies are not yet fulfilled and nor is it time for any of you to die." There appeared to be real tears in his eyes. "The world would be an empty one with you and your brother in it, Mira-Liana. And I would miss you greatly."
"We know. But you and your father taught us it was our destiny to protect Arthur and Camelot. We will die if we must to save those we love and our people, but we believe we've found another way," said Mira-Liana. "The villa told us that the combined blood of Merlin and I would be enough to fix this. Is it true?"
Kilgarrah nodded. "It is very true." He seemed to smile at them. "From the moment my father and I met the two of you, we saw something that was invisible. Now, it is there for all to see."
The twins smiled.
"All you see, old friend, is what you and your father taught us," said Merlin. "And he'd be proud of you right now if he were here."
"Thank you," said Kilgarrah. "Take care, my friends."
"You too," said Mira-Liana.
And with that, Kilgarrah took off.
"That was amazing," said Lancelot, when he'd gone.
"Pity we couldn't have hitched a ride, though," said Gwaine, wistfully. "Is he always cryptic like that?"
"Sometimes he's worse," said Merlin, making them all laugh. "Come on, we'd better go."
XXX
Later that night, Arthur and the other Knights had camp and were once again, sitting around a fire, talking and listening for any sign of the Dorocha.
Suddenly, a noise startled Arthur. "Quiet," he ordered, silencing them all.
The noise became louder, causing them to all draw their blades and they were prepared to strike, only to lower their blades when they saw who it was.
"Lancelot, Gwaine," said Arthur, both surprised and relieved. His stomach twisted in a knot when he realized two people were missing. "Where're Merlin and Mira-Liana? Are they all right?"
Lancelot and Gwaine looked grave.
"Arthur, I'm afraid we don't have very good news to report," said Lancelot, solemnly.
Gwaine gave a dramatic sigh. "The bad news is, they're still alive."
The two knights smiled as they allowed Merlin and Mira-Liana, who were almost smiling broadly and looking fit as fiddle, approach Arthur.
Everyone let out a relieved laugh and cheer before the twins were hugged tightly by each of the knights before Arthur got his turn.
Arthur hugged Merlin a bone-crushing hug.
"Arthur, I'm going to need to breathe at some point here," said Merlin, laughing as he returned the embrace.
"Breathing's overrated," said Arthur, as he released Merlin.
He then swept Mira-Liana, who was crying and laughing, into his arms before he kissed her soundly and then held her close.
"I thought I'd lost you. When are you going to give me a break and stop worrying like that?" said Arthur, as he stroked her hair.
"When you stop giving me reasons to worry about you," said Mira-Liana, as she rested her head on his shoulder.
"Well, now that we're all together again, I think we'd all like to know what happened," said Percival.
"Better sit down, we have quite a story to tell you," said Merlin.
They all sat around the fire, Arthur kept a protective arm around Mira-Liana as she and Merlin told the story of what had happened. Half an hour later, when all was said and done, they all looked both amazed and relieved.
"You two are either mad or brilliant," said Elyan.
"It's been my experience that they're often both, actually," said Arthur, making them laugh.
Still, it was good to know that they had friends in magical places and they had a way to end this without losing anyone else they cared for.
XXX
Eventually, they came upon the Seas of Meridor, where the Isle of the Blessed lay in the distance, encircled by fog and looked forlorn. They took a boat across the water with Merlin and Mira-Liana leading the way. The Isle had grown worse since Merlin and Mira-Liana had been there. It seemed more desolate, empty and dreary.
I never thought we'd ever set foot here again, said Merlin.
Nor I. said Mira-Liana. You proposed to Gwen and Arthur proposed to me here, remember?
How could I forget? He sighed. Everything was so different back then. Here we saved Arthur, our mother and vanquished Nimueh.
It seems like a lifetime ago and so much has changed, but it has changed for the better, said Mira-Liana.
I think things might change here again for us. But for better or worse, who can say? asked Merlin.
We can only hope, said Mira-Liana.
They eventually came to shore and started walking around the Isle, only stop in their tracks when a screeching—not a Dorocha's screech—hit their ears.
"Do you hear that?" asked Arthur.
"I really hope that's not what I think it is," groaned Gwaine.
Suddenly, wyverns came at them, only to suddenly cease their attack at the twins' commands. The wyverns bowed and obeyed the Dragonlord and Dragonlady's commands.
"Where would we be without the two of you?" asked Leon, gratefully.
"We'd be dinner for the wyverns," said Arthur. "Come on. We need to keep moving!"
Nothing more needed to be said as they all ran until they found the room they were looking for. It was huge and dark with a large stone altar in the center of it. What was most frightening was the huge, black-colored pillar of smoke that was standing behind the altar. This was the veil that needed to be mended.
"It is not often we have visitors," an elderly woman's voice. A very familiar voice.
Suddenly, standing before them was the woman who had spoken to Merlin and Mira-Liana at the feast. This was the Gatekeeper, Cailleach.
"We've come to put an end to this," said Arthur. "We've come to mend the tear between the two worlds."
Cailleach cackled. "Indeed." She smirked. "I demanded a payment of blood to seal the veil. Are any of you willing to die for this?"
"Death is not the only option," said Merlin, as he and his sister stepped forward. "You know that as well as we do."
Cailleach looked very intrigued to see them and stepped forward. "So, Emrys, Emrysa, you choose to challenge me after all. Are you willing to make payment to the spirits to save the Prince and all of Camelot?"
"It is our destiny and our duty to our people, our family and to ourselves," said Mira-Liana. "There is nothing we wouldn't do for them."
Merlin held up the vial containing their blood before they held it in their joined hands.
"In the name of the Old Religion and by the blood of our ancestors and those innocents who have been lost," they said in unison. "We sacrifice this blood willingly to seal the veil between realm of life and that of death. Forn de ala natuc ke la rof jexi gefor mifor."
Their blue eyes glowed gold before they flung the vial onto the altar, smashing it. There was a great flash of light and a gust of wind before the veil and the Gatekeeper disappeared.
It was done.
Everyone immediately heaved a sigh of relief.
"It's over," said Arthur. "It's finally over."
"Because of what we did together," said Mira-Liana, as she held Arthur's hand and Merlin's. "We got this far because we have what Agravain never will—loyalty, friendship, love, family and friends."
"And we always will," said Merlin, smiling. "We won."
The Dorocha were stopped, the veil was mended, peace would return and no one had had to sacrifice themselves to end it. It was a blessing and a relief.
XXX
Time passed. Everyone was met with open arms and great rejoicing.
Though there was celebration that the kingdom was safe, there was also mourning for those who had been lost. Agravain, was of course, furious that his plans had fallen through. While he suspected the twins had thwarted his plot, he was even more certain that it had been Emrys and Emrysa's doing. As a favor, Gaheris sought out someone he thought could be helpful in discovering their identities.
It was late one afternoon when Gaius called an emergency meeting with the Knights of the Round Table and his family as he did not have good news to report.
"Gaius, what news do you bring?" asked Arthur.
"Nothing good," said Gaius. "I'm afraid it concerns your uncle, Gaheris."
Arthur frowned. "Gaheris? Why?"
"Earlier this morning, he came into my chambers and asked if Mordred and I knew anything about certain practitioners he'd heard of," said Gaius.
"What practitioners?" asked Merlin.
"He was asking about 'Emrys' and 'Emrysa,'" said Mordred.
Horrified looks crossed their faces.
"You're certain he said those exact names?" asked Arthur.
"Quite certain," said Gaius.
"Strange that a nobleman who's had little experience with magic would come across those names, don't you think?" said Frik.
"He was adamant about leaving the gates open during the Dorocha attacks and he disappeared from the city at least twice," said Morgana. "He tried to usurp our authority a few times. He seemed particularly certain that you would fail to seal the veil."
"He was the only one who knew what we were doing and the timing matches perfectly. There's only person he could've heard that name from," said Mira-Liana, sighing. She squeezed Arthur's hand. "My love, I'm sorry, but it appears that Gaheris is working with Agravain."
Arthur looked slightly upset as he sighed. "Then he is neither our ally nor family of ours. We'll keep an eye on him for the time being, make sure he never learns the true identities of Emrys and Emrysa, and if anything happens, we'll do what we have to stop him and Agravain."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Much lay ahead in their future, but one thing was certain, none of them would be alone and they would do what had to be done together as a family, as they always had.
